Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1887-09-15
New Series-Vol. 81. No. 81

"At this point the controversy ought to
have ceased for the good Of the reunion,
and especially for the reputation Of Gov
ernor Wilson, but his injudicious friends
again called him out, and he responded
by reiterating his former statements, and
closed with a most vindiotive allusion to
the election of President Hayes, who was
also guest in the city the same as Gov
ernor Foraker.
'fIn the meantime Governor Foraker had
returned to the room and listened atten-
lively to most Of this second speech Of
Governor Wilson. At its close cali, long,
loud and persistent, was again made for
Governor Foraker, who was still 10th to
appear, and it's was only after much per-
suasion by myself and number Of lead
ing citizens of Wheeling that he consented
and went forth to reply. But having
once taken up the challenge, there was
nothing to do but fight it out, and he pro-
ceeded to make one OF the best speeches
of his life. He literally isyed Governor
Wilson, and so effectually exposed his
secession sentiments that there was moth
ing left of them. As have stated, Gov
ernor Forsker's speech was reported with
substantial accuracy in the Cincinnati
Commercial Gazette of the 28th inst,
and can only add that it was the grand
est impromptu defense OF Republican
principles l ever heard from the lips Of
any man. Governor Wilson's friends
fairly writhed under his scorching elo-
L ii II
parent to all but the most stupid bourbon
that Governor Wilson was used up, but
his friends again insisted that he should
reply to Governor FORAKER. This waG
the most fatal step of all He came for.
ward and attempted to reply, but his 70
marks soon became commonplace person.
alities, and amid the hooting and cat
calls of old soldiers, Republicans and
Camden Democrats alike, he retired to
the privacy of his own room.
ga perfect yell then went up for For
aker, who, by this time, was imbued
with the spirit, and promptly responded
without urging and proceed to finish up
his dissection of Governor Wilson's po-
htical anatomy"
SIT is stated in the paper" remarked,
''that Governor Foraker treated Governor
Wilson with disrespect, and did not prop
erly observe the proprieties of the occa-
sion. Is that soS'
son the contrary" said Gen. Hollings-
worth, che treated Governor Wilson
when attacked. When his friends un-
dertook to disturb Governor Wilson
while speaking he came to the front and
appealed to them to keep silent and
listen to what Governor Wilson had to
say, but when Governor Wilson's friends
in like manner interrupted Governor
Foraker he had nothing to say, and by
his silence encouraged the notous dispo-
sition Of his friends. After 1t was over
Governor Foraker personally, and in my
presence, invited Governor Wilson to
visit him with his family at Columbus,
and promised him royal and generous
welcome"
''What seemed to be the effect Of
the controversy on the people of Wheel
ingG''
81 am unable to say. / remained at
the hotel until the next morning, and
heard the subject discussed by Gen. GoR
and other distinguished West Virginians.
They all regretted that Governor Wilson
had given occasion for the controversy,
and especially that it should have taken
place at a reunion Of soldiers, but at
the same time their broad smiles indi-
cate satisfaction at the outcome. 1t was
frequent remark that the orstorical dis
play on Governor Foraker's part was one
of the grandest of the age"